Self-assembly, alignment, and patterning of metal nanowires. Issue 11 (4th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Ying; Liang, Tianwei; Chen, Lei; Chen, Yaofei; Yang, Bo-Ru; Luo, Yunhan; Liu, Gui-Shi
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale horizons. Volume 7:Issue 11(2022)
• Page Start: 1299
• Page End: 1339
• Publication Date: 2022-10-04
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00313a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-6756

Abstract

Abstract : This paper presents an all-inclusive review of assembly strategies of MNWs, discusses the underlying mechanisms, assesses the developed techniques, and summarizes the representative applications in flexible and stretchable electronics. Abstract : Armed with the merits of one-dimensional nanostructures (flexibility, high aspect ratio, and anisotropy) and metals (high conductivity, plasmonic properties, and catalytic activity), metal nanowires (MNWs) have stood out as a new class of nanomaterials in the last two decades. They are envisaged to expedite significantly and even revolutionize a broad spectrum of applications related to display, sensing, energy, plasmonics, photonics, and catalysis. Compared with disordered MNWs, well-organized MNWs would not only enhance the intrinsic physical and chemical properties, but also create new functions and sophisticated architectures of optoelectronic devices. This paper presents a comprehensive review of assembly strategies of MNWs, including self-assembly for specific structures, alignment for anisotropic constructions, and patterning for precise configurations. The technical processes, underlying mechanisms, performance indicators, and representative applications of these strategies are described and discussed to inspire further innovation in assembly techniques and guide the fabrication of optoelectrical devices. Finally, a perspective on the critical challenges and future opportunities of MNW assembly is provided.